On politics in the Golden State

Emily's List backs Julia Brownley for Congress

April 20, 2012 | 1:32
pm

Assemblywoman Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica) is receiving support in the crowded race for an open Ventura County congressional seat from Emily's List, a national group that helps pro-choice, Democratic women candidates in raising campaign money.

The organization announced Friday that it had bestowed “full recommendation” status on Brownley, giving her wide access to its more than 1 million members across the country.

Calling Brownley a “strong and progressive voice for California’s women and families,” Stephanie Schriock, the organization’s president, said in a release that Brownley “is running a fantastic campaign and the entire Emily’s List community is so proud to stand with her.”

Brownley’s main competition for the seat to represent California's 26th Congressional District is widely considered to be state Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Moorpark). The only other woman on the ballot is Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks, who recently switched her registration from Republican and is running as an independent. The other candidates are all Democrats — Realtor Albert Maxwell Goldberg, Port Hueneme Harbor Commissioner Jess Herrera and businessman David Cruz Thayne.

In another area congressional race, Emily’s List is supporting Democratic Rep. Lois Capps of Santa Barbara, who is under challenge for the 24th District seat from Republicans Abel Maldonado, a former California lieutenant governor and state senator, and Chris Mitchum, an actor and businessman. Law student Matt Boutte also is on the ballot, listing no party preference.

Emily's List has not taken sides in the clash between Democratic Reps. Janice Hahn of San Pedro and Laura Richardson of Long Beach to represent the newly drawn 44th District in southeastern Los Angeles County, a spokeswoman said Friday.

Emily's List said it raised more than $38.5 million during the 2009-10 election cycle for its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates.